A driver that authorities claim was under the influence when they wrecked their vehicle off the side of the Highway 120 bypass last month – killing the passenger – is expected to appear in court on Friday.

Dulce Atienzo, 21, was reportedly driving eastbound at approximately 80 miles per hour on just before midnight on Jan. 22 when he struck a concrete barrier near Guthmiller Road (Yosemite Ave.) and proceeded to careen across the roadway and down the embankment.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the 2014 Toyota Camry turned clockwise as it went down the embankment and began rolling – which ejected the unrestrained passenger who suffered major injuries. The Camry continued to roll down the embankment before coming to rest on its roof.

Despite lifesaving attempts, the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

The identity of the deceased was not initially released by authorities.

Atienzo remains in custody at the San Joaquin County on $1 million bail – facing felony charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence. They are due to appear in Department M1 of the Manteca branch of the San Joaquin Superior Court on Friday, Feb. 4 at 8:30 a.m.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.